Active Minds

the nation’s premier nonprofit organization supporting mental health awareness and education for young adults

We are dedicated to saving lives and to building stronger families and communities. Through education, research, advocacy, and a focus on young adults ages 14–25, Active Minds is opening up the conversation about mental health and creating lasting change in the way mental health is talked about, cared for, and valued in the United States.

Tools for Discussing Mental Health

V-A-R:

Key Messages:

  •  Mental health is for everyone. Seeking support and talking about what we are going through is the opposite of weak: it shows incredible strength. We can be there for the people around us with these important messages:

    • I’m here for you: Those simple, yet powerful, words can mean so much to someone who is struggling.

    • The World Needs You Here: We want all to know that the world needs them here.

Founding

Founded in 2003 by Alison Malmon while a Junior at UPenn following the suicide of her older brother, Brian.

  • Brian was a popular, smart and fun student through high school and college.

    • At the beginning of his freshman year of college, he began to struggle with depression and psychosis, but concealed his symptoms from everyone around him for 3 years.

    • His depression created a space for him where he felt like he was the only one, that all of his pain was his fault.

  • Realizing that his story is the story of thousands of young people who suffer in silence, who, despite their large numbers, think they are totally alone.

  • This led Alison to lead a change in starting a conversation about mental health, especially among those aged 14-24, the ages a majority of mental illnesses start. 

Key Statistics

  • Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among young adults (CDC).

  • 39% of students will experience a significant mental health issue or crisis in their lifetime.

  • 280 people decide not to go through with a suicide attempt for every person who dies by suicide.

  • 1 in 5 adults have a diagnosable mental illness

  • 50% of us will experience a mental health condition in our lifeline.

  • 89% of college students are experiencing stress or anxiety as a result of Covid-19

  • Approximately 1/3 of college students live with some kind of mental health issue. (Healthy Minds Study)

  • 10% of college students have struggled with thoughts of suicide in the past year. (American College Health Assessment)

  • 67% of young adults will first tell a friend they are feeling suicidal before telling anyone else?

    • 60% of Young Adults feel they are unprepared to have that conversation with a friend